Joelis Verdingas is a youth group leader and PhD student in Lithuania.
When did you trust Christ?
I grew up in a Christian household; my dad is a pastor for a small congregation, so from childhood, I was taught about Jesus and God. But that was my parents' faith and not mine. When I was a teenager, 13 years old, my mood and my whole character changed for about half a year. I went from being a joyful, active boy to being sad, weeping, and depressed. I started to see that all things in the world are senseless. Everything that had happened will happen again (like in the Book of Ecclesiastes but without God). So, time went on, and nothing changed, but in 2011, our church went to the Festival of Hope, where Franklin Graham came to share the Gospel with Lithuanians. As Franklin started preaching, I heard the Gospel anew, so it was then I decided to follow Jesus from my own desire. When I went home, the depression was cured. In the same year, I was baptised, and I have followed Christ ever since.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
As I started believing on my own accord, I saw that God was guiding me through certain situations, that He would form me as wet clay in His hand, and that I'd be suited to His needs. I have one example that taught me humility. I was one of the best students in my high school, but when it came time to take my exams, I did not score high enough to get into a state-funded position. Fast forward half a year, a new semester was starting at university, and I got the news that I was being transferred to a state-funded position. I didn't even need to repay my loan. So, it was one of those moments where I understood that God was in control of my life, even when it was hard and I didn't know where I was going. The Scriptures are the foundation of my faith.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
I think ELF will give me some ideas about where and how to move, where I need to concentrate more in my ministry, and even how to restart my ministry from the foundation. Maybe I'll move in a different direction than I'm heading right now. Also, I expect to gather various good practices and examples of how fellow ministers work with youth.
What is your ministry?
My main ministry is leading a small youth group of 19- to 30-year-olds. We gather once a week to fellowship, pray, and study and discuss the Scriptures. I try to maintain relationships with them, listen to them, and understand their needs. Also, from time to time, I preach on Sundays at my hometown church in Radviliškis.
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
When I was in my teen years, I was responsible for serving youth in my hometown church, like a youth group leader. When I grew up in church, there were about 20 young people in my church, but almost all of them left their hometown to go study. I ended up leaving with several others, and then I started ministering to them.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I think the main reason why someone would want to invest their time and/or money in my training is the principle of disciples making disciples. This experience could better enable me to use my talents and gifts to minister to people. Also, I'm completely ready to serve the body of Christ, the Church, but without proper training and preparation, even the best wishes will fail.
